As Executive Director of NFTE North Texas, Karen Ezell oversees the successful implementation of the NFTE program in the North Texas Area. Karen works directly with community leaders, funders, volunteers, teachers and students within the Dallas and Irving Independent School Districts providing guidance in the development of student owned businesses, professional development for teachers, coordinating guest speakers into the classroom, organizing regional business plan competitions, as well as working with individuals and corporations to develop sustainable funding sources.

Prior to joining the NFTE North Texas staff in May 2005, Karen spent 8 years teaching mathematics in the Grand Prairie, Abilene and Garland Independent School Districts. Karen also has 12 years market research experience having worked with clients such as Southern California Edison, NationsBank, Braniff Airlines, and Hilton Hotels. Karen and her husband Glenn are also experienced entrepreneurs whose company, Event Supplies & Services, specializes in third-party marketing of concert venues throughout the United States.